Juli Ashton Interview
– Juli Ashton’s Bio & Movies

April 1998

I guess we should start out with the new stuff. You have a new movie out for Wicked, “Essentially Juli” Is that one out yet?

Yes, it’s just been released, so it’s at your favorite stores now.

Is this a one time thing between you and Wicked or will there be more?

This is just the first title for my new line, Ashton-View Productions. I hope to do about four a year. This one, obviously is a Gonzo, home video thing, but we’ll be doing feature films, bondage, all sorts of different things.

And will you be in all of them?

I am still in front of the camera and I still like it, so I will be in all four this year. In the future, it just depends on how I feel.

That’s great news for all the fans. By the way, I happen to a big fan. I love your work.

Why thank you. Have you seen “Essentially Juli” yet?

No, I can’t find it on the store shelves. Someone needs to talk to those folks at Wicked and get me on their list, hint, hint. Maybe this interview will prompt them a bit.

Exactly. I’ll put in a good word for you.

Thank you. As I understand it, Excalibur Films is doing a promotion for Essentailly Juli. Anyone who buys that tape, gets two of your other films and a signed copy of your Playboy for free. Which, I have to say is a great deal.

One of the other movies is “Scottie’s X Rated Adventure”, what was that like?

It was a lot of fun. We worked with a lot of new people behind the scenes who weren’t in the adult industry. It was fun to have them bring in their enthusiasm because they had never done anything like that. And Scottie was just so profession and it was really fun to act with him and he’s a nice guy. It was a great movie.

Now, where were you born?

I was born in Colorado.

And did you grow up there?

Yes, through college and then moved to Florida.

And then came to LA, to do movies?

Yep. I tried commuting from Florida for a while, but it just got too expensive and time consuming. So I finally moved here.

When was that?

That would be June of 95.

Do you like it out here?

I love California. Growing up in Colorado, you’re kind of taught to hate California and I was not looking forward to it, but I really love it here.

What were you like growing up?

I was pretty straight laced, nerdy kid. My mom was a teacher in the school district. I grew up there and knew all the teachers. It was a real small town so I got away with absolutely everything, but didn’t do that much that needed getting away with. I was just a pretty mellow, do what I was told kid.

You were a teacher for a while as well right?

Yeah I was, for a year.

Any plans to go back to that?

No, it was awful, I hated it. I was so bad at it too. I wasn’t very good at the discipline part. I think I would be better at it now, but the parents were a pain, the kids were a pain, even the other teachers were a pain.

What age did you teach?

Jr. high.

Oh God. What were you thinking?

It was pretty brutal.

Does your family know what you do?

I told my family before I did anything at all. I didn’t want them to find out some other way. They started out pretty upset. My dad and my brother were going to come out and kidnap me. It was a pretty traumatic time. That’s why I told them when I did. I didn’t want to be making movies and dealing with that at the same time. Now, they see that I’m happy and successful. I just bought a home. They see I’m not falling apart, not doing drugs or any of the terrible things that they had thought of. I’m not going to say they’re entirely happy, but they’re OK.

So they are accepting of you if not your career choices?

Yeah.

How about the people you grew up with? Have you heard from any of them?

it’s funny, because I didn’t keep in touch with anybody. So, it’s not like they gave me grief or anything, but I am the talk of the town. Everybody has seen my Playboy layout or checked out my web site. Everybody knows now. People have just been surprised, so it’s kind of cool.

What were you doing when you got into videos? Were you dancing?

Yeah, I quit teaching in Colorado and moved to Florida to be a beach bum. I lived on the beach and had my days free and danced at night. That’s where I met Shayla LaVauex and Alexis DeVall. They were doing a duo act, and were both from Colorado too. Their manager, who is now my manager was there. He is also from Colorado. We just hit it off. He gave me his card and then for about a year and a half I researched the business, talked to all the people that came through and then called him up and, there I was.

So you were very well prepared when you got into the business.

Most definatley.

When did you do your first movie?

It was in late 94, called the Dinner Party for Ultimate Pictures.

I’ve seen that one.

it’s funny because, since then I’ve gotten a nose job and my hair is a lot different. It was billed as Julia Austin so nobody ever knows it was me.

But that was your first? Who did you work with in that movie?

Tammy Parks.

And how was you first time on camera?

It was really great. I was so terrified, but in that scene I didn’t have any dialog or anything. So I didn’t have to stress about camera presence. Also, I was very into women so that really helped. I remember looking up while she was eating me out, and seeing the sound guy. I looked right in his eyes and he had this huge hardon. He totally blushed and it made me cum instantly so I just went “Wow, this is a cool business.”

So, you liked having people watching from the start?

Yes, I discovered that. I didn’t know at the time.

I guess it would be a hard business to be in if you didn’t like having people watch you. About how many movies have you done so far?

I think I am up to about forty.

Most for VCA right? Bigger budget stuff.

Yes. That’s the advantage to being a contract girl. They have already paid for you, so they put you in the good stuff, which is great.

Which do you prefer? The dialog or the sex scenes?

it’s not that I have a preference for one or the other. it’s fun all the way around. I love being on the set. I love the whole production aspect of it, so the sex is an added bonus.

Of the forty or so titles, are there any that you are particularly proud of?

I would have to say “DMJ5″would be my favorite other than “Essentially Juli”I put so much of my heart into “Essentially Juli”that it will probably always be my favorite. But DMJ5 is right at the top as well. Greg Dark is incredible. It was a wonderful shoot.

That is a great movie.

It really is. There are just so many high points in that movie. It will always be on my list of favorites. “The Butt Detective”is another one I liked.

You know, I just reviewed “The Wrong Snatch”and that one was fun.

It was. Comedies don’t tend to do that well, I don’t know why, but I liked it.

I helped write it, and there are a
lot of stupid jokes in it.

It was fun to watch, even between the sex scenes.

That’s good to hear. That is what we were trying to do. Not everyone will get or like every joke, but we tried.

Everyone seems to be going for as dark and brutal as possible.

I know, I really don’t get that.

Most of the movies you have done don’t have that violent tinge.

Not at all.

What do you think of that? So many people are doing that sort of thing.

I think that the adult industry and the people in it, walk a really fine line between responsibility and art. I tend to lean toward the responsibility side. I don’t like violence and drama with my sex. There is enough drama in my real life. I don’t need to watch it on screen. I like to laugh. That’s what sex is to me. Sex is joy, it’s funny, it’s lighthearted, it should be fun and so I would prefer to do things like that rather than the mental deep, dark stuff. You know, it just doesn’t do anything for me.

Any favorite males and females to work with?

I have always loved Shayla. She’ll always be my favorite. I like all the girls.

it’s amazing, in this industry there’s no competition like in the straight world or in modeling. it’s not really a competition thing so all the girls are just wonderful. And the guys, I came in as a fan and so I’ll always have a place in my heart for Peter North, Joey Silvera, Tom Byron, Marc Wallice, you know. I love those guys. That’s who I watched when I started watching.

Is there anyone you haven’t worked with, but who you really want to.

I’d like to work with Janine. She’s a really good friend of mine, she’s such a sweet, incredibly gorgeous woman that I think it would be really hot.

That would make for such a hot scene. You know, I just interviewed Samantha Stylle and when I asked her that same question, she named you as the person she is dying to work with.

Really? I’ll have to write that down.

The quote was, “I have a huge crush on Juli Ashton.”

That’s nice. She is really cute.

She said you helped her get into the business and porn fans everywhere owe you for that one.

She’s super sweet.

How about some basic questions. How tall are you?

I’m five nine.

And your measurements?

36C-25-36

Like any of us guys really know what
those numbers mean.

But you notice when it’s double D though.

Do you watch your own movies?

Yes I do.

Are you watching to critique yourself, or is there some sexual element to it?

it’s not sexual when I am watching myself. However, I did most of the editing on “Essentially Juli”and I have to admit that I am past the embarrassment where you blush and can’t watch. Now, I’m watching and remembering how much fun it was. it’s becoming erotic.

What do you think of yourself? You’ve seen enough other performances, are you really proud of what you see?

Yeah, I am. I am quite proud because I don’t act during the sex. I am pretty transparent with my emotions, so I can’t fake things. I think that comes through in the movies that I am enjoying myself and having a fun time. I don’t have to act.

But in the non sex scenes, you do a good job with the dialog and that acting. Is that something you have put a lot of effort into, or does it come naturally for you?

I think it comes naturally but it’s also something I have worked on. I think it goes back to being honest and open. But it’s also so much fun that it’s something I have tired to work on.

It definitely makes a difference for those of us watching, especially in the bigger budget movies. I hate when they give a script to someone who can’t even read the lines.

You know, that’s another thing about being a contract girl. I get the script at least two weeks in advance as part of my contract. A lot of the people get the script on the set and have to memorize dialog while in make up.

What are your general thoughts on
the industry and how it takes care its own?

I think it’s an amazing business, I love it. The people I’ve met in this industry are the most open, sincere, straight forward people you will ever meet. There is also a loyalty that I haven’t seen a lot of other places. Maybe it’s because we’re all outcasts in society’s eyes or whatever brought us to this industry ties us all together. The loyalty in this industry is really strong and I love that.

I imagine plenty of people recognize you on the street now with the movies and the TV show.

Yes, quite a bit.

Do you people find it easy to approach you or do they shy away?

Most people are OK with it. They will come up and say hey and have a picture taken and stuff. it’s really great. I’ve always had a very positive response. I can’t think of one time when somebody was even a little bit rude.

Like at the grocery store the other day, I was in line and someone said “I really like your show by the way.” Nice things like that make my day.

We don’t get your show out here, but I’ve seen tapes. it’s quite good. Can we talk a little about it?

Sure.

How were you approached to do Night Calls?

I was doing a show called “Sex Under Hot Lights” for Playboy, and it was contracted out. The director and I got to know each other pretty well and he thought I would be good for it. I owe him a lot, because he sent my tapes down and got me the audition.

How long has it been on?

We’re into our third season now.

Congratulations. Back to movies for a bit. Is there anything you do on camera that maybe you don’t do in your personal life?

No. I don’t split it up that way. When I got into the business we were talking about whether I should do anal or not. A few years ago not a lot of people did. And I was kind of like, “but I like it in my personal life so why should I hold something back.” I guess something like a gang bang is just for the screen. I’ve never just gone and picked up a bunch of guys. So, that’s something a bit different.

Is there anything you won’t do on camera?

Children, animals, violence.

So, as long as it’s legal and in good taste, you’ll do it.

Right. You have to try it once, you might like it.

It sounds like in your sex scenes, you’re pretty much giving the audience the real you.

Exactly, it’s more intimate that way.

Any unfulfilled fantasies left?

Lots.

Wanna share one?

Bondage. I haven’t explored it as much as I’d like. I mean, I’ve dabbled a little in my personal life, but I’d like to do a really good, strong bondage film. That would give me a chance to work with some of the people I’ve met from those videos, but never worked with.

Is that something you’ll do with Ashton-View?

Definitely. I don’t know a lot about it, so it will be fun to learn.

I don’t usually review bondage movies, but you do one, I might just have to start.

Careful, I’ll hold you to that.

Do you have a web site and fan club where fans can write to you?

Yes, I am at www.risque.com and there is a catalog up there, so any movie you can’t find, you can order from there. And the fan club address is 9800 D Topanga Canyon #352, Chatsworth, Ca 91310.

Are you doing any dancing right now?

No. I am so involved in this movie thing, that dancing has kind of taken a back seat for now. I don’t know right now when I’ll go back out there.

What are you career goals within the adult industry?

Obviously, I want my production company be successful and grow bigger. I want to put a joyful spin on sex and help the industry educate the rest of the world that we’re just normal, nice, moral people. We just happen to have sex for a living.

What about beyond the adult biz?

I would love to see Ashton-View go into mainstream films as well. That should keep me busy. And I want to make a million dollar porno film.

A million dollar porno?

That’s my goal.

So, we can look for that one in a few months?

Oh sure, and you’re sending me the winning lotto ticket, right?

Exactly. I’ll fund it, as long as I get to help write the script. I know with your own company, you don’t have a lot of free time, but when you do, what are your outside interests?

Well, I’m remodeling my house right now so that is pretty much what I focus on right now. But I did the whole party thing in college, so I don’t go out to bars and I don’t do the Hollywood scene. When I am at home, I like to be around my family and my dogs. That’s what I do.

Anyone special in your life right now?

No, just a lot of good friends.

OK, this is what all the readers want to know. What do you look for in a man or woman?

Sincerity, sense of humor is very important and a sense of direction is very essential.

So, they actually have to have a life?

Yeah. Bummer huh? I’m so picky.

One topic that has been coming up a lot lately is the HIV issue and how it effects the adult movie industry. How do you deal with that? Do you think the business is doing all it can to protect and educate them?

You know, I don’t like to talk bad about this business, but no, I don’t think they are. I went all condoms the last time we had this scare. To claim a small piece of rubber on a dick makes a difference is a lie. People don’t care, they just don’t. So, I would like to see the industry be at least all condom for anal. But, you know, you can’t change the world overnight.

All you can really do is keep yourself safe.

Exactly, and I don’t shoot a lot, I tend to shoot a lot of the same people, or the people within my own organization. Most everyone in Essentially Juli is a Risqu”girl. I’ve been on DNA testing for a long time, and do what I can. It goes back to the responsibility vs. art thing. Sure, in a perfect world, we wouldn’t need to use condoms, but on the other hand, people do learn behavior from us whether we like it or not.

Anything you would like to add for the readers?

Spread the Joy.

And don’t forget to watch Essentially Juli. Thank you Juli Ashton, it’s been a pleasure.

No problem Roger, anytime.